The day book. (Chicago, Ill.) 1911-1917, October 27, 1913, Image 18

Image and text provided by University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Library, Urbana, IL

lSSSIPBffA PECK OF TROUBLEBy Augustus Goodrich Sherwin.' (Copyright by W. G. Chapman.)i - "Martin, I'm in-a.sore peck of trou-' ble!" spoke RoberiGrant, leadingI man of Grafton. 'i. "Sorry, judge. Can I help you out1 of it in any way?" questioned Martinj Blake, one of the humble ones of the?l village.i "I'm afraid not?" replied Mr. Grantin a really worried andmournf ul -tone, of voice. ''I've put my foot in it bad'ForMercy's Sake!"Morgan.Cried Mrs."and deep. I'd givVa lot to get backon the solid rock. I declare, it's getting on my nerves and I dread seeingmy wifej"Honest, earnest Martin' looked interested and sympathetic It was outof the ordinary to have the judgemore than "barely notice him'. To havefhinx.almest make a corifidanttfhim,stunned Martin and raised his hopesvastly.Those hopes of the ardent youngman centered about the bonniest giflin Grafton Jessie, the judge's onlydaughter. Martin loved her from thedepths of his heart and Jessie as fervently returned the sentiment. Forthe past six months, however, thejudge had thrown very cold water onthe aspirations of the young man.The sudden acquisition of quite afortune from a relative had given thejudge some new grand ideas. Martinwas poor, Jessie was an heiress. Thematch was unequal.' He cast aboutremoving to a more aristocratictown. He cut quite a swath, he fancied, going with his family to a fashionable watering place.He had just returned looking both1ere'd and dismal. Martin, missing Jessie dreadfully, was taking the satisfaction of strolling by the desertedGrant home, thinking fondly of thedear one it had sheltered, wherf hecame across 'the judge seated on tHeold horse block, rueful but friendly. Aconversation had ensued."You see, it's all along of my wanting to get to a bigger town, Martin,"somewhat sheepishly explained thejudge. "When we started on our outing I gave orders to put up the' oldhome here for sale." '"Yes, I heard of that," nodded Martin. "I also gave my lawyer a-power ofattorney to act for me. Well, he hassold it."Martin groaned inwardly at thisnew blow to his hopes.."The price js all right; but I'vemade a mistake," proceeded thejudge. "A man named Morgan ffomthe city is the purchaser. He has paid$1,000 down'and is delighted' with hisbargain. I told my wife about It yesterday. Martin, you're a4 friend andagood fellow."- "Thank you, judge.""And I've got to talk out my misery 'to somebpdy. "Mjr-wife made a terrible scene. The idea of leavjngtthje-